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Buffalo Purchasing Initiative

The Buffalo Purchasing Initiative (BPI) was developed to create a convening resource for Buffalo’s large employers to explore strategies and share resources to expand purchasing opportunities with local businesses owned by people of color.

Overview

There’s never been a more important moment to invest in the entrepreneurial small businesses owned by Buffalonians of color that enrich our community.

Buffalo’s diverse suppliers must be included in the investments we make – no exceptions.

The BPI was formed by the Business Leaders Task Force in 2019 to collectively achieve the following goals:

  • Leverage their collective demand to advance economic inclusion in the Buffalo region
  • Help create jobs and employment opportunities for residents within communities of color
  • Build community and capacity around inclusive procurement practices
  • Expand purchasing opportunities with local businesses owned by people of color
  • Serve as ambassadors of economic inclusion with peers

Since the pilot of the BPI began, the participating businesses have reported a 100% increase in average annual spend with businesses of color in Western New York. In addition, they have nearly tripled the number of business relationships with local businesses owned by people of color.

How Does It work?

Here’s an overview of the BPI ecosystem.

Diagram explaining how Purchasing Organizations, Suppliers, and Business Support Organizations work together

Purchasing Organizations

  • Identify and reduce barriers to inclusion embedded in institutional processes and procedures
  • Sharing knowledge and best practices
  • Internal buy-in and Institutionalizing a culture of equity and inclusion

Suppliers

  • Meet suppliers and understand status/capacity
  • Networking and matchmaking events
  • Technical assistance referrals

Business Support Organizations

  • Work to identify opportunities in supplier network
  • Support business development and capacity building

Impact

Since the pilot of the BPI began, the participating businesses have reported a 100% increase in average annual spend with businesses of color in Western New York. In addition, they have nearly tripled the number of business relationships with local businesses owned by people of color. Read on to learn more about some of the businesses that have worked with BPI members.

Members

The BPI currently includes member organizations that have committed to increasing their spending with local businesses owned by people of color. They are also increasing the number of local businesses they are working with while applying best practices in equity and inclusion to their procurement and purchasing policies and procedures. Each logo represents a current BPI member. Please click on the logo to learn more about how procurement and purchasing works at each organization.

Partners

BPI members work in partnership with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership (BPI’s fiduciary). BPI’s community partners are valued thought leaders and collaborators working to maximize the impact of this effort.

Resources

Link

Capital Connect

A one-stop portal for business owners seeking funding or access to capital

View
Link

Small Business Development Center

One – to – one free business counseling for business owners seeking assistance with business planning and/or MWBE certification.

View
Report

The Racial Equity Dividend: Buffalo’s Great Opportunity

The report details what we all stand to gain when we close racial equity gaps in our community.

View

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